Deciding between a diploma and a degree is already a tough choice to make. But deciding on a valuable diploma to pursue might be an even tougher decision to make. As a manpower outsourcing recruitment agency in Singapore, we’ve noticed that organizations are slowly opening up to the idea of hiring candidates without degrees. This is a competitive era where experience trumps degrees.
Additionally, organizations are slowly realising that removing degree requirements allows them to tap a larger and more diverse group. But that’s not what we’ll be focusing on today. In this article, we will be talking about the top four diplomas in Singapore that hold the highest salary for fresh graduates and their jobs. Find out more below:
1. Diploma in Nursing
Salary Range: From $1,700 (Enrolled Nurse)
$2,800 (Registered Nurse)
The pandemic has brought some of Singapore’s healthcare professionals to the limelight. This includes nurses. According to the Ministry of Health, the average entry-level salary for nurses in Singapore can go up to $5,000 (including bonuses). In Singapore, nurses often fall into two categories, “Registered Nurse” and “Enrolled Nurse”.
However, a Diploma in Nursing is only required if you’re interested in being a “Registered Nurse”. Registered nurses have a slightly longer career track, and the potential to acquire nursing skills in a variety of different practices. Registered nurses have the potential to further their career into being a “Nurse Educator” or “Nurse Manager” in the future.
Sample Healthcare Roles for Polytechnic Graduates include:
- Medical Sales Representative: $2,800
- Paramedic: $2,400
- Staff Nurse: $2,200
- Enrolled Nurse: $1,700
In addition, nurses are often compensated with benefits such as one rest day a week along with impressive leave benefits. The list of benefits include:
- 15 to 24 days of annual leave
- Childcare leave
- Annual Wage Supplement (AWS)
- Performance bonuses and increments*
- Shift allowances*
Learn more about Registered Nurses in this informative Mothership.SG article here. *Benefits for registered nurses differ according to companies.
2. Diploma in Human Resources
Salary Range: From $2,500 (Payroll Executive)
$4,000 (HR Manager)
In Singapore, the Human Resources industry is one that is growing steadily. A career in Human resources is a respectable one — as they often impact and influence an organization’s culture. The entry-level salaries for an entry-level employee in the Human Resources field vary from $36,000 a year to $40,704.
Additionally, benefits for those looking to break into the field will vary according to the different companies. Those looking for a stable job with benefits might want to consider working as a Human Resources executive with Singapore’s public industry. Learn more about the benefits of working in the Singapore public industry here.
With a diploma in Human Resources, you might be able to land positions such as:
- Recruitment Consultant: $2,200 to $3,400
- Human Resources Executive: $3,000
- Human Resources Manager: $4,000
- Payroll Executive: $2,500
Interested in pursuing a career in Human Resources? Read “The Best Courses to Help Singaporeans Develop Their HR Career”.
3. Diploma in Information Technology
Salary Range: From $2,000 (Helpdesk Support)
$3,200 (IT Executive)
If you’re looking to earn a solid salary and work in one of Singapore’s fastest-growing industries, you should consider a diploma in IT and Tech. In fact, jobs within the Tech, and IT industry are often labelled recession-proof. To put it simply, as cyber breaches get more and more complicated, the demand for cybersecurity and tech professionals who can address these issues increase.
Sample IT Jobs for Polytechnic Graduates include:
- IT Executive: From $3,200
- IT Business Analyst: From $2,800
- IT Support Engineer: From $2,300
- Helpdesk Support: $2,000
According to Seedly.sg, the average salary for poly graduates within the Information Technology field varies from $2,200 (fresh graduates) to $2,450 (post-national service graduates). Whilst poly graduates who studied Business Information Systems/Business Information Technology can expect to earn from $2,155. Keep in mind that the average salary will vary according to the different companies and roles that you apply for. The salary rates for those looking to get higher as the diploma and skills involved get more specialized.
The IT and Tech industry, not your thing? More information on some of the top recession proof jobs this 2020 available here.
4. Diploma in Finance and Banking
Salary Range: From $2,100 (Bank Teller)
$3,500 (Junior Banking Officer)
In addition to the diplomas in hard sciences, a diploma in finance and banking are the ones that provide their students with some of the best ROI (return on investment). These diplomas range from the Health Sciences to Tech and IT. But a diploma in Finance and Banking can also be profitable for some fresh graduates. Despite the economic slowdown, the Singapore job market is poised to get better. But thanks to the digital transformation of the finance industry, things will still stay in place.
Sample Finance and Banking Jobs for Polytechnic Graduates include:
- Banker: $2,900
- Bank Teller: $2,100
- Client Service Specialist: $3,100
- Junior Banking Officer: $3,500
For the best breakdown of salaries in Singapore, check out the BGC Group 2020 Salary Guide here. We feature a range of salaries in varying industries such as Marketing, Tech and Cybersecurity, and Healthcare to name a few.
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Read More: 7 Hottest Recession Proof Jobs and Industries in Singapore This 2020